Poisonings in Aisne: three new cases, including an elderly person, 22 in total

Three new cases of food poisoning linked to the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, involving two children and an elderly person, were announced on Tuesday, June 24, by the Aisne prefecture. This brings the number of people affected to 22 so far.

This is the first time an elderly person has been affected since the first cases appeared in the Saint-Quentin metropolitan area on June 12. The other 21 cases involve children, including a 12-year-old girl who died on June 16.

These three new cases compared to the previous update on Monday did not develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication affecting the kidneys and requiring dialysis treatment, the prefecture specified.

To date, "ten people remain hospitalized, four of whom are receiving dialysis. Eleven have been able to leave the hospital and return home," she added. All of the children are receiving "continuous medical monitoring."

Investigations to find the origin of the contamination continue.

Suspecting a foodborne illness linked to meat, authorities have since last week preemptively closed four halal butcher shops and two meat departments in supermarkets in the Saint-Quentin metropolitan area. Samples taken from these outlets are still being collected.

Food investigations into the origin of the contamination carried out in recent days "have not revealed any new businesses," the prefecture further emphasized.

Meat from now-closed establishments was served at the Festival des Petits As football tournament, held Saturday and Sunday in Saint-Quentin, as well as at a mini-basketball party on Saturday in Gauchy, a neighboring town.

The new cases of contamination announced on Tuesday have no connection with these two sporting events, a spokesperson for the prefecture clarified.

In parallel with the health investigation, a preliminary investigation against unknown persons was opened last week by the Saint-Quentin public prosecutor's office for involuntary manslaughter, involuntary injury, endangering the lives of others and deception regarding goods presenting a danger to human life.